Stay in a lighthouse hotel in Australia

There are 350
lighthouses standing tall along coastal cliff tops around Australia and many have now been converted into hotels.

In the past, these
maritime relics protected passing ships in the night and through fog, shining a
beacon of light to guide sailors through treacherous seas.

But the country’s lighthouses were deactivated in 1983 following the
introduction of satellite navigation technology. These days, most are managed
by various national parks and wildlife services and their heritage-listed
grounds open to the public.

But why visit for a day when you can play lighthouse keeper for a nautical
night in a beautifully refurbished keeper’s cottage? With panoramic views over
the ocean, a cottage to yourself and utter isolation, what’s not to love?

2. Cape Otway Lightstation, Victoria

Cape Otway Lightstation, perched on Australia's rugged south coast.The café at the Cape Otway Lightstation is a popular pit stop for travelers
driving along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road and a welcome break for hikers
tackling the 104-kilometer Great Ocean trail.

It clings to the cliffs
above the Bass Strait, with sweeping views over the ocean.

But the oldest surviving
lighthouse in mainland Australia is also a magnet for maritime history buffs.
Visitors can explore the World War II bunker, old telegraph station and
shipwreck relics.

To top it off, there are
even creepy ghost tours. But don’t let paranormal sightings of a four-year-old
girl spook you from staying overnight.

The charming heritage
accommodation includes the head lighthouse keeper’s cottage which sleeps six, or the
Manager’s B&B, which is perfect for a couple. Complimentary Devonshire
cream tea and scones on arrival sweeten the stay all the more.

3. Smoky Cape Lighthouse, New South Wales

Smoky Cape lighthouse, which comes equipped with a DVD library if you tire of the view.The octagonal-shaped Smoky Cape Lighthouse sits proudly on the Hat Head National Park, a short drive from the
sleepy coastal town of South West Rocks.

Built in 1891, the
cottages are newly-renovated and managed by caretakers Wendy and Pat Halverso,
who provide their guests with bed and breakfast in the head lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

Wake in the morning to
eggs on the veranda overlooking the vista, or if you’re an independent type,
cook them yourself in one of two self-contained cottages, kitted out with all
the essentials for a weekend getaway, including books and DVDs.

The grounds straddle a
pristine portion of the coast with some wonderful walking trails. So pack comfy
shoes and a swimsuit to make the most of the surrounding bush land and beaches,
such as North Smoky Beach and South Smoky Cape Beach.

4. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, New South Wales

Sugarloaf Point lighthouse at Seals Rocks.A few hours' drive north of Sydney, Seal Rocks is celebrated for its rolling
surf breaks, a cute colony of Australian fur seals, peaceful Myall Lakes
National Park and the iconic Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse.

There are three
heritage cottages just beneath the lighthouse, set above a manicured
lawn with toothpaste-white picket fencing. They have a bird's-eye view of the
glorious coastline panorama, from Crowdy Head in the north to Port Stephens in
the south.

Though guests might want
to spend as much time as possible gazing at the view, the interiors of the
accommodation are just as beguiling and wouldn’t look out of place in a design
magazine. Luxury furnishings and plasma televisions are topped off by modern kitchens that
even a chef couldn’t fault.

5. Kangaroo Island Lighthouses, South Australia

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island.Lighthouse aficionados have not one but three lighthouses to explore on
Kangaroo Island.

Each were instrumental
in navigating migratory ships during the hazardous voyage from Europe to
Adelaide, as they caught the “Roaring Forties” winds from Cape Town to
Australia.

On the rugged eastern
tip, Cape Willoughby hosts South Australia's oldest lighthouse, which was built in 1852. On the western
side of the island, there's the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and also the Cape Borda Lighthouse.

The canon at Cape Borda Lighthouse -- used to alert ships caught in fog -- carries on the same tradition, firing every day at the traditional hour of 1p.m.

All the lighthouses
share dramatic sea views and are perfectly positioned to explore the island’s
parks, trails, seal colonies, as well as kangaroo and koala spotting.

The array of
accommodation suits any budget, from beautifully restored lighthouse keeper's
lodges, cabins and cottages to Cape Borda’s very basic Woodward Hut (no
bathroom) -- a steal at only $22 a night.

Lighthouses at Kangaroo Island, +61 (0)8 8553 4410, rates for self-contained cottages from $165 per night for two in off-peak season to $206 in peak season,environment.sa.gov.au